There is good news for British Columbians! The number of seniors is increasing. Today, one in five people are over 65, and in the next decade, this will grow to one in four people. People are also living longer with 12 per cent of seniors age 85-plus today. Within the next 10 years, 18 per cent of people will be over 85 years old.
The saying ‘when you’ve met one 80 year-old, you’ve met one 80 year-old’ rings truer today than ever before. Seniors have extremely diverse interests and experiences. I’ve met older people who are running marathons, contributing in the workplace, and are working more in volunteer roles than they ever did before they turned 65.
I’ve enjoyed seeing the stories and words of wisdom seniors have shared with our office that will be posted on our Facebook and X channels during BC Seniors’ Week. I’m glad so many older people have taken the opportunity to show their achievements and allow others to learn from their life experiences.
However, we must not forget the seniors in B.C. who are struggling to make ends meet, find a suitable home or long-term care bed, access reliable, affordable public transportation, or can’t find adequate supports to live independently at home. The median income of a senior in B.C. is $33,300.
I’m hopeful the provincial government will follow through on my recommendation to create a cross-ministry seniors’ strategy and action plan so we can ensure services are coordinated and meeting the needs of older people – a demographic that is rapidly increasing.
Seniors have helped shape our province and are a vital part of our society. Let’s honour and acknowledge the immense contributions of seniors in B.C. – present, past and future. Take the time to reach out, listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and acknowledge their profound value in our lives.
Aging is something to embrace, because if we are lucky enough to live a long life, we too will become a senior one day!
Dan Levitt is the BC Seniors Advocate
